Ms. Shirley Parks Thornes, 84, of Onancock, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, at The Citadel Nassawadox, formerly Heritage Hall, where she had been a patient since October. Born June 16, 1936, in Deep Creek, she was the daughter of the late Harrison Parks and the late Missouri Allen Parks.
Shirley graduated from Onancock High School in 1954 and spent decades working for the former Chesapeake Potomac Telephone Company. Following retirement from C&P, she began a new career with the Accomack County Health Department, where she enjoyed many years before her final retirement. Shirley was a longtime loyal and active member of Leatherbury United Methodist Church and was in the Leatherbury Ladies Aid group.
In addition to her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her sister, Joyce Parks Chase, in 2015. She is survived by three nieces, Debbie Simpkins (Dale), of New Jersey, Ceal Homan (John), of New Jersey, and Dorothy (Ron) Pecqueur (Ron), of Delaware; two nephews, Matt Chase (Annie), of New Jersey, and Mark Chase (Shari), of Florida; brother-in-law, Vaughn W. Chase, of New Jersey; and several cousins, including Preston Ewell and Linda Ewell Courtney, who Shirley thought of as a daughter.
Funeral services were conducted from the graveside at the Mount Holly Cemetery on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Roland Major officiating.
Contributions in Shirley’s memory may be made to Leatherbury United Methodist Church, 31670 OK Farms Lane, Painter, VA 23420.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.
